Beignet Fest is Coming to New Orleans

Few sweets compare to the puffy, fried, sugary delight that is the beignet. We could expound upon the pastry’s satisfying taste for hours—New Orleans is giving us a whole day.

The iconic treat, which is very closely associated with the southern city, will be celebrated at New Orlean’s first Beignet Fest on October 8. On that Saturday, the city’s Lafayette Square will transform into a temple of doughy goodness and powdered sugar.

Vendors, including the renowned Cafe du Monde, are taking the power of the beignet to new levels. The menu includes twists on the sugary classic, including options with seafood or cheese. Celebrity judges will award the best sweet, savory, original and crowd-pleasing beignets. The festival will have plenty of local breweries and bands on hand to keep things exciting.

The beignet, which is the official state doughnut of Lousiana, is said to have been brought to the state by Acadian settlers in the 18th century. Before that, they were closely associated with French Mardi Gras celebrations.

Beignet Fest is free and open to the public, and the proceeds from food and drink will benefit the Tres Doux Foundation, which works to support children with autism in New Orleans.

New Orleans is no stranger to food festivals. All year round the city celebrates its rich culinary heritage with entire weekends dedicated to oysters, po-boys and gumbo. The beignet fest will be the city’s 133rd food celebration.